Merseysiders’ predicted lineup for FA Cup fourth-round tie at Bournemouth on Saturday lunch time …
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Where: Anfield, Liverpool
When: Saturday 25th January 2014, 12:45
Watch live: Click here to watch online with ITV Football!
GK: Brad Jones
The Aussie should be handed a rare start in this cup tie in order to provide Belgium No 1 Simon Mignolet with a rest ahead of Tuesday night’s huge Merseyside derby in the Premier League at Anfield.
RB: Martin Kelly
The young England international is in line to deputise for first-choice Glen Johnson after the experienced right back was ruled out indefinitely with an ankle injury.
CB: Kolo Toure
Veteran Ivorian has struggled badly in recent weeks, although boss Brendan Rodgers has no other alternative but to play the 32-year-old while the likes of Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho are both still out injured.
CB: Martin Skrtel
The Slovakia international has been an absolute rock at the heart of the Reds’ back four throughout the entire campaign, and Rodgers would have most certainly taken this opportunity to rest the shaven-headed centre back against Bournemouth had there been adequate cover in place.
LB: Aly Cissokho
On-loan left back from Valencia continues to deputise in the absence of Spaniard Jose Enrique, who is still missing after recovering from a knee operation.
CM: Joe Allen
The Wales international has only just returned from injury, but will be thrust straight back into action against the Cherries in place of the injured Lucas Leiva, with the Brazilian defensive midfielder now missing for a number of weeks with a knee injury.
CM: Jordan Henderson
The Englishman is currently enjoying his best period since moving to Anfield, and in the expected absence of skipper Steven Gerrard, will be handed more of a chance to take control of proceedings, albeit from a more deep-lying role than usual in front of his back four.
CM: Luis Alberto
The young Spaniard, signed from Spanish champions FC Barcelona last summer, has barely had a look-in all campaign long, and so should be relishing the opportunity to stake a more permanent claim for a first-team place going forward in this FA Cup fourth-round clash.
ST: Victor Moses
The on-loan Chelsea wide man has enjoyed an up-and-down campaign on Merseyside to date, and so Rodgers will be hoping that the Nigeria international is blowing hot rather than cold against Bournemouth this weekend.
ST: Iago Aspas
Another player who has also struggled for form in his debut campaign at Anfield following his £7.7m arrival from La Liga outfit Celta de Vigo last summer, although the Spaniard did finally manage to get off the mark for his new team in the previous round against Oldham at Anfield.
ST: Raheem Sterling
The young England flyer has turned in some eye-catching displays for the Reds on the flanks so far this season, and the winger should be relishing the chance to have a run at the Bournemouth back line in the Cup on Saturday afternoon.